COSTA MESA – Southern California’s labor unions invite veterans, their families and the entire community to the OC Fair & Event Center Nov. 11 for a FREE community celebration to honor our nation’s heroes. This year’s event will include the public’s first look at a newly constructed museum honoring veterans.

GREAT AUDIO AND VISUALS: Military vehicles and gear; live music from the Swing Cats (10-piece band) and more; kids making “Thank you” cards for veterans. West coast unveiling of the United States Postal Service “Distinguished Medal” postage stamp takes place at 11:30 a.m.

MUSEUM DEDICATION: The dedication of Heroes Hall, the County’s first museum honoring veterans, takes place at 1 p.m. The museum will be an interactive space where the stories of our military men and women can be curated and shared. Veterans will be available for interviews to discuss the importance of preserving their experiences for future generations.

SERVICES FOR VETERANS: Union members, community groups and veterans organizations will be on site to provide resources to veterans, including information about family-supporting jobs, health insurance benefits, counseling, college and legal assistance, health screenings and free clothing.

The celebration is part of the “Veterans + Labor – Partners in Service,” a labor union sponsored project that aims to provide veterans with the services and support they need after serving our Country. This is our fourth year of hosting the event.

WHO: Union members, local leaders, other coalition partners and the entire community

WHAT: FREE community celebration to honor veterans

WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 11, 2016

WHERE: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

PARKING: Enter through Gate 3 or 4 for FREE parking

Other activities include:

FOOD DRIVE: Please bring you non-perishable food donations to the event! Last year, we collected two tons of food for military men and women.

FOOD: Free hot dogs, chips and water for all plus discounted fare from Spectra, the concession operator for the OC Fair & Event Center.

FAMILY FUN: Kids can enjoy face painting, bounce houses and games.

Veterans + Labor: Partners in Service was launched in 2013. Far too often, our nation’s veterans don’t receive the support they’ve earned or the services they need when returning home. California’s labor unions are taking the lead to change that. On Veterans Day, workers are bringing the community together to say “thank you” to our nation’s heroes. Learn more at www. veteransandlabor.com.

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